The view on Monday early evening. - West of Redding

Clearer skies - clearer mind.

Today dawned a clearer day. The temperatures are cooler this morning and the breeze seems clean. The sky is still hazy but it's looking and smelling better. Fire fighters are getting a handle on most of the surrounding fires. There are still some troubled areas. Yesterday I went back to the same place I photographed the western fires on Friday. What a pleasant difference. I'll post some photos.

Yesterday's news stated that George W. Bush is planning to visit this area to see the damage caused by these fires. My fear is that his presence will interfere with the aerial attack on the fires due to the tighter air-space security. I need to change the subject.... his name causes flames to shoot out the top of my head and we can't have that when all the fire fighters are occupied.

One of the many fires in our area.

Hazy Dog Days of Summer

This is my first ever attempt at online blogging. I'm not what I would consider a word-smith. My instrument of communication is a paint brush. But I do want to comment on the eerie look to Redding, California this summer.

The surrounding fires have given the area a timeless appearance; I find it difficult to determine what time of day it is. The smoke and haze have created a confusing veil over the land and I am looking at the clock more than usual. Is it morning or is it early evening? Have I stepped into an old faded and yellowed photograph? As a painter I depend on light to give me all the visual cues I need to interpret my world. But the light is now distorted and my world has a surreal look to it. Hence, my spacey mental state at the moment. I'm not complaining, but I seem to be sleepwalking and less productive. Hopefully, as the smoke clears so will my mind.